The marriage was the only way too secure his Kingdom’s future. Money and resources were wearing thin, farmers were bringing home dying stock, their only hope was to unite with the neighbouring kingdom, a kingdom that had been prospering while their own suffered.
This was his chance to prove himself a worthy heir, a responsible heir, one who cared for his people. Though it was not talked about, everyone knew he was a bastard child, the King being unable to bear children and yet his wife still gave birth.
He rests in his chambers, he was usually such an optimistic boy, but as the wedding day grew nearer his heart began to wilt. He holds in his hand a ring, a wedding ring, his Grandmother’s ring. His Mother had given it to him as a wedding gift to give to his soon to be wife. He had hoped that one day he might give it to someone he loved.
He reaches for the servants bell and rings it twice, calling his favourite servant. She seemed to be the only person able to cheer him up, his only true friend in the castle